Walking the Hebridean Way in April 2018

The ubiquitous Black House Unfortunately as expected Bert was unable to continue and the walk has been abandoned in favour of a sight seeing tour of shorter duration. Bert went to Benbecula Hospital on Thursday to get a feel for how seriously injured he was. It would appear that there is muscle and ligament damage which should heal in around six weeks with luck. Thursday evening was spent on the phone rearranging our itineraries so that we could still visit all of the islands but at a motorised pace. CalMac were very helpful and all of our bookings were rearranged to our satisfaction - both families. Friday we had a day sight seeing in North Uist with Bert and Susan and then we had dinner together at the Stepping Stones restaurant in Balivanich. It was not what we had hoped to be doing but it was a good day nevertheless Saturday night saw us pitched in the playground of Seilebost Primary School. We had driven through several "wow" views none better than ...

Wednesday April 25th Ferry from Eriskay arrives The rain battered on the campervan roof all night. The portents were not good. However the day dawned reasonably fine and dry.  We duly collected Bert and Susan from the Eriskay ferry on time and made good progress to Vatersay. Without too much ado we set out to conquer the Hebridean Way by 10 am after photos and good wishes from the back up staff (Pauline and Susan) Only 156 miles to go! If we had known that this was to be the last good part would we have set off? The walk across Vatersay passed fairly easily along the island's only single track road. We passed the wreck of a second World War Carolina at the side of the road. We continued along the pleasant single track road until we come to the Vatersay causeway. Built in 1991, this vital link with Barra is widely credited with saving Vatersay - without it there is a good chance the island would have been abandoned.  Just as we turned to climb Bein...

Tuesday April 23rd Borve Campsite Borve Campsite is fantastic. Not only is it run by the local postman who is friendly and knowledgeable. Not just because it is well equipped and has toilet facilities that wouldn't disgrace a five star hotel. But best of all it has brilliant sunny weather and a view to die for all day. The sun has shone all day. In fact we had an aperitif before lunch outside in Castlebay. We could have eaten outside - others were but that's where the smokers are nowadays. Lunch was in an interesting cafe/restaurant which served Indian, Italian and Scottish food. I had a fantastic curry and Pauline enjoyed her Barra burger. Glasgow flight We set off after a leisurely breakfast to make a complete tour of the island. (it is only a small island) Pauline was at the wheel gaining her first experience of single track roads and the etiquette of passing places. We were heading for the far Northern tip of the island at Eoligarry where we were surprised at ...

The Island of Lewis OBAN to CASTLEBAY After a wet but uneventful night on the esplanade at Oban the new day dawned if not exactly sunny then at least dry. The fear that the CalMac ferry might be cancelled disappeared as the wind dropped and the water was fairly calm. We had just finished an unhurried breakfast when Susan texted to say that they had made excellent progress and were only 11 miles from Oban. We told them that we would meet them in the "esplanade coffee bar" aka Hermione Hymer but despite the fact that they misunderstood found us anyway. The crossing was smooth and uneventful and we arrived at Borve Camping and Caravan site to be greeted by Donald Mc Donald. The site is right on the sea with fabulous views of the Atlantic when the mist lifts. The facilities are excellent and our six neighbouring motorhomes are friendly.(the people) Tomorrow is the calm before the storm - the phoney war - a sight seeing day. We are just back from an evening ...

Sunday April 22nd The van is packed for a six month safari even though we are only going to the Outer Hebrides for a fortnight. We seem to have packed a ton of "just in case" stuff. The stages were planned and the accommodation was booked back in October so it is exciting that we are finally on the brink of setting out to walk the 156 miles of the Hebridean Way. Overnight at Oban esplanade Over the course of 156 miles (252km) the route visits 10 islands, crosses 6 causeways and includes two stunning ferry journeys. We were especially stunned last week when we heard that the ferries were cancelled om Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. We have our fingers (and toes) crossed for Monday. We are setting out today so that we are in Oban (just in case) the ferry goes early to beat the weather. The plan involves walking on consecutive days ( as you can see below) so if we don't get there by Wednesday 25th we are stuffed! Date Start Finish...